Reading Goal: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy

This is a book that explains basic economic principles in plain language. It’s one of the books we’ll be using in homeschooling our boys (10 and 11) this year, so I decided to read it first, so I knew what they were learning. I’ll admit that my economics background isn’t strong. I took the requisite in high school, but nothing further as I was a physics and mathematics dual major in college. I’ve done some independent study on economics, but never anything serious. I know it’s something I need to delve into more, but I’ve had other priorities. Therefore, I figured that this would also be a good learning book for me as well.

First and foremost, it’s an easy read for an adult. I believe it’s targeted in the 5th-8th grade range and as a result, the language is easy. Also, it’s written in the form of letters from Uncle Eric to his nephew, Chris. However, each concept is clearly explained and good examples are provided. Marbury progresses through each subject in a logical manner, building on what he has talked about before.

It’s a small book and I know it only scratches the surface with respect to economics. The book makes no bones about that and Marbury makes references to other things that will be discussed in other letters (which means other books). There is additional material in the appendix which either support what he talked about in the letters portion or provide exercises to see how some of the theory works out in numbers. Certainly it has whetted my appetite for some further, more in-depth study.